ImpactCR

Cindy Stier (chair)
First Interstate Bank
“I came here for a work opportunity, and I stayed for the people and community!”

Catherine VanDraska (vice chair)
Big Brothers Big Sisters
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. This is an amazing place to build your career, raise a family and make friendships and connections!”

Avery Campbell (governance officer)
Neighborly Development Consulting
“A native of Cedar Rapids, and wouldn’t have it any other way. The close-knit community, depth of meaningful connections, and the wealth of opportunities make CR a vibrant hub of fulfillment and thriving potential. It’s a great place to call home.”

Heidi Alderdyce
Paragon Interiors
“Cedar Rapids is a growing and exciting place to call home as a young professional. Opportunities and resources are easily accessible, and connection is everywhere. I joined the ImpactCR board to deepen my involvement in the community, and drive my time towards being a part of an organization that shares the same values. I look forward to developing lasting relationships, and teaming up with a talented group of Cedar Rapids professionals!”

Dennis Beery
Armstrong Development Group
“Cedar Rapids has a vibrant business community and most of the amenities of a larger city while still maintaining a small town feel with beautiful parks and nature trails.”

Rohit Dalal (past chair)
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
“Love the community.”

Michele Davis
Eastern Iowa Health Center
“I moved to Cedar Rapids knowing only my sister, but I stayed because of its vibrant energy, warm community, and the countless opportunities it offered for both personal and professional growth. I’m proud to call Cedar Rapids home and will continue to support the community that embraced me!”

Christian Francois
Cedar Rapids Tourism
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA, and am very passionate about our community. I’ve always been proud to call this place home. Being away for four years while attending college and traveling on various study abroad trips, made me realize how special Cedar Rapids is. I want to be more involved with our community and what better way to do so than by growing and advocating for our city with like minded young professionals.”

Riley Galbraith
Collins Aerospace
“Although I’ve been a Cedar Rapids resident my entire life, I know that it is the only place that I can truly call home. It provides the best of both worlds: a vibrant city with a plethora of professional opportunities and fun things to do, combined with a tight knit community that leaves behind the complications of a big city.”

Megan Johnson
Mercy Medical Center Foundation
“I’ve lived in Cedar Rapids my whole life, so it’s my place of comfort. It’s a great place to raise a family and the people here are top notch!”

Ian Martin
Rock Technology
“Having lived in 6 different states during my lifetime, I feel that I have a unique perspective on why Cedar Rapids is the perfect place to live! #1 is it is a great place to raise a family. #2 are the people, who are just good ol’ fashioned nice. #3 Would be our vision for the future. I am genuinely excited for the growth and direction we are headed in!”

Cari McCoy
Van Meter
“I grew up here, left for nearly 10 years after graduating from Coe, and lived in major cities around the country before returning to Cedar Rapids for good. The CR Metro is the best place to be when you want to put roots down because of the strong sense of community, the opportunities for young families, and the way our people rally around each other in times of need. I love being a part of this community and doing my part to help it grow and thrive.”

Matthew McPherson
Crystal Group
“I am a transplant to Cedar Rapids, but it quickly became home. With its welcoming community, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to raise my daughters.”

Sarah Michelle
HoneyMap
“CR was a happy accident. I am a coastal girl through and through. One summer, I was traveling on a solo-cross country trip and miscalculated one of my drives. I needed a spontaneous hotel stop, and that happened to be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I had no idea what to expect but quickly fell in love. I couldn’t believe I stumbled upon the perfect blend of city and country, metro and small-town charm. I moved here in April of 2023 and just purchased my first home. I’ve not had one weekend since that didn’t hold dozens of opportunities to work, rest, or play. The community has been nothing short of amazingly warm and welcoming and I’m excited to share the love with more people! “

Darcel Pledge
Excel Daycare
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and have always enjoyed the sense of community and family feel vibe this city offers. While I love traveling and exploring other places, the unique beauty of Cedar Rapids lies in its sense of home, safety, and its role in helping me navigate the many phases of my life—from educator to business owner. It’s a wonderful place to grow, thrive, and find the right circles to make that possible!”

Jade Ploessel
Women Lead Change
“My husband’s job brought us here but I have grown to the love the tight knit community!”

Brady Quinn
MEDCO
“The opportunity to make an impact in the community is unique. Uptown Marion is where my family and I spend a lot of our time, in particular The Uptown Artway. We also enjoy our locally owned restaurants and breweries.”

Camden Stovie
Harrison Group Inc.
“I have lived in Cedar Rapids my entire life and grow to love this community more and more every year. The city continues to surprise me with amazing restaurants, events and opportunities to connect with new people.”